Do’s to Observe While in England

Visiting foreign countries would require travelers to observe the prevailing standards of etiquette in the place of destination. Failure to observe this could result to misunderstanding or unintentional insult to locals. England also has its specific do’s which visitors should observe while in the country.

The British have been known to maintain a stiff upper lip in their behavior. They are known for being more formal than Americans. Although there has been considerable relaxation of this formality, there are still certain standards of etiquette that need to be observed by locals and foreign visitors as well.

Visitors to England can take their cue from what they observe once they are in the country. If totally unsure of what to do, it might be best to inquire from friends and associates. A little research can go a long way before visiting the country.

The basics are rather similar to other culture’s observance of common courtesy and good manners. The three magic words consisting of please, thank you, and sorry form a large part of everyday conversation in England. Shaking of hands is an acceptable form of greeting for long-time acquaintances while kissing on the cheek is fairly common between female friends. When visiting a family, it is considered good manners to bring a gift either in the form of flowers, wine, or candy.

Waiting in line for one’s turn is seriously observed in England. People using the escalator should always stay on the right side to permit people coming from the other direction to pass on the left side. Tipping should be done in a manner that will not be interpreted as showing-off. This includes the place and the amount of the tip. People who do not drink alcohol can go to English pubs which are more like places to meet new friends rather than bars associated with drinking alcohol.